How's that shopping going? Good here. Again less shopping stress this year. Not sure why. (Again that nagging feeling that I am forgetting something!!!!)

Maybe because I didn't have to hunt the world this year for THAT gift. I know a lot of my friends did. Seems every day someone is putting out the S.O.S to be on the lookout for something. Which happens to work very well...give a mom a task and you know it will get done...someone will come through.

Today I will wrap. I enjoy it so I make sure now it's done when I am not exhausted at 11:00 at night. I will play my Christmas music (although there's been nothing else playing in my house since Thanksgiving. It's a rule...did you not get the memo????) Do you like to wrap? I do. Wrapping the gift for me is half the fun of giving it. It's nice to receive a gift that looks like someone took the time to present (no pun intended) nicely. I have secret Santa wrapping paper that He wraps his gifts in. Even though we have all come over to the dark side...no one sees their wrapping paper until Christmas morning.

So while there's still a few items on the wish lists that I need hubby's assistance to buy, and a secret Santa, or gift card to go pick up...things are moving along swimmingly. If all of a sudden I remember something there could be a whole different kind of post to follow. I wonder if they allow laptops in the looney bin??

That was the weekend flying by! Where did it go?

Time flies this time of the year. A weekend full of birthdays for kid friends and bffs...sports (of course!), Mayberry friend's Christmas party and community events. No wonder I was ready for bed last night by 8:00!

All good stuff. Great even. It's always a good time when the "big kids" get to go out for the night without the "little kids" if you know what I mean. I am still laughing from things said from the other night. Last night was "Light the Night" in Mayberry. Main Street shop keepers and neighborhoods throughout lit luminaries along the street at 5:00 pm. This is a shot of Main Street:

Nice right? Most of my block did it too. We had cookies, hot chocolate, egg nog and appetizers on the front lawn, chatted in the street. Came in when it got too cold for some tea and more cookies! It was a great way to kick off Christmas. I am hoping it becomes a tradition.

My girl comes home this week, grandparents arriving...it's beginning to look A LOT like Christmas! Yippee!

Last night as Jenn said was Book Club. We did a pot luck, and normally I don't try out recipes on unsuspecting friends. I usually save the new stuff for my guines pigs at home. But for two years I attempted to make this recipe only to realize it's a two day process and I never allowed myself the time I needed to make it. So I decided in advance to make it this year. My book club friends (they're a nice crowd) would be my guinea pigs. I am happy with the way it came out. It comes out pretty big so it's good to make for a crowd. Here's the recipe. I got this from a series of recipe books I bought many years ago called Taste of Home. There's a lot of Midwest/Southern type of recipes in these books. Nothing really dietetic. Which is allowed at this time of the year. I have edited the recipe (I always do). The way it was written I found confusing so I changed the "how to" a bit.

Yesterday we went on Mayberry's Holiday House Tour. Every year we make a day of it. We see all the houses on the tour then we go out for lunch. It's a fun "girlie" day out. Although you do see some husbands (other people's husbands..lol) on the tour as well. 

It's fun for me because I am essentially nosy I guess. (wink wink) Homes around town that I have been driving by for years, now open their doors and say "Come on in have a look around!" We have a lot of very old houses with great histories so it's fun to learn that where my "newer" house sits was a grand estate back in the day...stuff like that. 

I have to laugh a little at the owners of the homes though. You can see they are slightly uncomfortable with the streams of strangers walking in their front doors. Now there are lovely gentlemen and ladies placed at the entrances and all over the homes from the Historical Society dressed in period clothing...directing you and giving you some background on the home as you walk through the rooms. But the owners kinda stand awkwardly soaking up compliments as people walk by. 

They don't seem to quite know what to do with themselves. After all they agreed to this. But now there are strangers standing in their bedrooms (their bedrooms!!!) looking at not only the "architecture" but their pictures on their bureaus and other personal items. I would imagine they put anything valuable or very personal away. I mean you aren't allowed to poke through the drawer on their nightstand or anything like that. 

I enjoy the tour every year. I enjoy the day out with the girls. But I am not sure I would enjoy being one of the houses. I don't know. Sure it's nice that people think your house is great and want to see it. Many times people have come into this house and told me they looked at it when it was for sale, they wanted to buy it once, they love my back staircase, the pool...and those things are nice. I have given many "nickel tours" here. But these were people that were invited into my home. Maybe it's just the people in my bedroom thing that is icky to me. Maybe because I know how it feels to know a stranger was in my bedroom looking at my stuff after being robbed once.

Nevertheless, it was a lovely afternoon as always. There was one or two homes that I loved. I am grateful for the owners who let us in. I hope they feel good about it this morning. I know the people that came were genuinely complimentary and nice. I got to talk to one or two owners and they enjoyed telling their story and I enjoyed listening. 

I enjoyed a couple glasses of wine and "linner"? "lupper"? (what do you call lunch at almost dinner time anyway????) with the girls, chatting about the houses we saw, Christmas cookies, shopping, kids and all the other things you chat about with your girlfriends. All in all, a lovely way to start off the Christmas festivities.

Today I am putting away Christmas - and I am ready. I held on as long as I could - but really it's time for it all to go away. It's a perfect day to stay inside. We are expecting snow today. So I will wrap up all the ornaments. I will take down the stockings and the wreaths. I will unplug all 40 candles in my windows. I will put things back in order. I will vacuum and dust and do the laundry I have been neglecting. Day one of my New Year's Resolution - I will begin by simplifying my surroundings.

Happy New Year!

Yesterday was a great day, not a perfect day - but great nonetheless. The kids got up at 6:45 - not too bad, I was expecting an earlier start. Running down the stairs to see what Santa had brought. No one was disappointed. Everyone was happy. The wrapping paper covered the floor from one end of the room to the other.

A new bicycle for Mae had her and her brother taking an early morning trip down to the beach. A keyboard for Lu had her playing Christmas tune with amazing ability. New pots for me had me in the kitchen whipping up a delicious Christmas feast. Sam was up in his room shooting hoops in his new basketball net. Hubby was helping put all the toys together. Everyone loving the morning - until its time to clean up because the family is coming! A bit of yelling, a bit of scolding to get things away, make a neat pile, help me in the kitchen, vacuum the floor... but it all came together. The house maybe not as neat as I would have liked - but no one seemed to notice. The Prime Rib and Ham making the house smell wonderful ... the cookies and desserts overflowing. The giant table stretched from one end of the dining room to the other. Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the barn for all to see as they drove up. A Christmas Celebration in my new house. Perfect.

Now it's time to put it all away - I am itching to take the tree down and put the decorations away, but I will hold off until next week. I will start putting small things away. Try to regain some simplicity. Wishing everyone a week of fun and joy and a Happy 2010 - my posts will be reruns next week as I navigate a week off from school. Happy New Year! See you in 2010.

Jenn

It's here - the big day. The presents have been wrapped - well almost. Got as much done as I could yesterday with everyone at school. I am finally comfortable in saying I AM DONE. Done shopping - almost done wrapping, done with running around here there and the other place. Managed to get the last elusive thing on Lu's list after calling around and sent hubby off to fetch it. Done with the mall. We had our annual Christmas Shopping Trip to the mall last night - along with a 1,000 other Christmas shoppers. We saw Santa, the kids told him what they want, we got the picture done. All good. There was plenty of parking compared to years past and the good thing about last minute gifts is everything is on sale!

Today I will clean and cook. The family is coming tomorrow. Tonight is church and quiet family time. We will watch our annual holiday movies. I will cook dinner. We will go look at all the Christmas Lights and get ready for the big guy to come. Lu woke up before the sun this morning - guess that's a preview for tomorrow. Wishing you peace and joy wherever you are. Merry Christmas!

Dear #1 Elf,

As we begin the countdown to the 12 days of Christmas it's crunch time. This is just a thank you note, an acknowledgment of sorts you could say.

Thanks for always finding the perfect gift for the children. I know how you listen as Christmas approaches, for clues as to what their hearts desire. I know you agonize while the thought plays over and over in your head "All of what they need and some of what they want"...as your online "cart" is about to tip over with gifts for them.

I appreciate you buying special "Santa" wrapping paper that is different from what I wrap "my" gifts in and making sure no one sees it (even the ones that have crossed over to the dark side)until after Santa has been here on Christmas morning. And how you stay up to the wee hours of the morning wrapping until your back breaks is so commendable!

The irreplaceable "collected over the years ornaments" and I appreciate how after tree trimming night when everyone has gone to bed, you rearrange all the ornaments so they aren't all knee level and are securely hung on the sturdy branches.

It's so smart of you to make sure there's plenty in my stocking. We wouldn't want the kids to think Santa forgot Mom's stocking, since once or twice over the years he did. (it's ok he's got a lot on his plate)

The way you make sure everyone's "pile" is even...counting and recounting the weeks before the big day. It's so smart to do the "mock" piles beforehand so you can get a visual of how it will all look under the tree...heaven forbid one child feels slighted.

And let's not forget all the food shopping and baking, cooking and did I mention baking? That's in addition to all the "regular" chores you still need to get done all the while.

You make it all seems effortless as you show up at school with cupcakes in the shape of snowmen in the morning and by evening get cleaned up, made up and dressed and on the arm of your man, looking like you have rested all day, as you go off to the 15th Christmas party in a month.

So in case you were thinking no one was watching. In case you think no one appreciates you I just wanted you to know I do. And I am thankful that you do it all. God knows I could never get that all done. I am only one person.

xo


Jenn's two cents: Please send me an Elf - I need some Elfin' help!

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping? Just a few things so far - usually I am done by now but its been a hectic fall and I am not in the mood to shop! Planing on getting most of it done today via the net.
2. Tell me about one of your special traditions. Everyone has their "own" ornaments they have gotten over the years, only that person can put their oranment on the tree.
3. Are you a Black Friday Shopper? Usually, but not this year - the weather wasn't cooperating and I was tired! Next year I am going with Cara at midnight.
4. When do you put up your Tree? Big fake one in the living room Thanksgiving weekend, real one going up next weekend in the Dining Room.
5. Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home? Stay home - once my kids are bigger though, I am planning on a beach vacation from Christmas to New Years.
6. What is your funniest Christmas memory? When I was a kid, Santa left a gift for my brother in the closet, when I asked my mom how it got there, she told me the elves were playing games.
7. What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time? Hands down It's a Wonderful Life. Everytime a bell rings, An Angel gets his Wings.
8. Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?Yes, I do my own baking - my favorite is Linzer Tarts - my Dad looks forward to them every Christmas.
9. Fake or Real Tree? Both see no. 4
10. What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? Ususally the day before when I am wondering if I got enough, did I get too much etc. etc. but I am going with Cara with this one this year - No Panic!
11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Sometimes - ususally the big stuff that I can't wrap and hide.
12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? Christmas Eve, it's just the five of us - we go to Church and I usually cook - then we drive around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights - I also love when they come down the stairs Christmas morning and see all their stuff.
13. What Christmas craft do you like the best? Making Ornaments
14.Christmas music. Yes or No? If yes what is your favorite song? Love Christmas music! Favorite song is Joy to the World at the end of Christmas Eve Mass, I get tears in my eyes every year because that is what Christmas is really all about.
5. When do you plan to finish all your shopping? All the big gifts will be done with today - the stocking stuffers, etc. I will finish this week.

Our Pickled Friend

Not everything. There’s a difference.

I do it all or nothing. I used to try to do EVERYTHING all or nothing…that’s impossible, I have found that out the hard way. But what I do choose to do…be it Christmas decorating, throwing a party, helping out a friend it’s all or nothing. If I can’t do it right to best of my ability then I am not doing it. If I say I am gonna do it, whatever it may be come hell or high water I will do it.

This is why our town Christmas Tree lighting on Friday night really bugged me. Usually the Swing singing group from our HS sings beautiful accapella Christmas carols on the steps of Town Hall, the town officials say a few words, the smaller children gather around the “magic button” and turn the lights on the giant pine tree that stands in the middle of town, and there’s free hot chocolate for all! Sounds like a Norman Rockwell painting doesn’t it? Yeah well not this year folks. They cut down that big tree over the summer. And they asked the younger choir from the elementary school to sing, (cute, but let’s say less than melodic) they lit some very lame 7 ft tree that had some crappy lights “thrown” on it and the hot chocolate tasted like brown water. Am I the Grinch? No. I am just an all or nothing type of gal.

If cutting back has lessened what the Town can do for the tree lighting or the big old pine was dead and needed to be cut down I get it. I can even take the blah hot chocolate that was apparently made by some orangutan…you get what you pay for and like I said it was free.

But for crying out loud, keep the choir that sings so beautifully (for free) that the Townsfolk enjoy singing along with. The little singers were adorable but when it’s not your kid or some cute little kid you know singing, it’s really not that enjoyable. There were older people who came to enjoy the town tradition that were kinda talking amongst themselves while the kids were singing or lip syncing… am I am not even sure which.

Decorate the small pathetic tree well. Trim the tree with beautiful evenly placed lights and ornaments. Have all the children that pushed the “magic button” take a picture by the tree to put in the town paper, not the politicians who threw the lights on the lame tree.

I left annoyed. I was annoyed that I inhaled my dinner to get Mike over there not to miss a thing. I was annoyed to high heaven about that tree. I have to drive by it every day now I feel like sneaking over there in the dark of night and adding lights to it. I was annoyed and the blatant lack of enthusiasm or attention to detail. The only thing that didn’t annoy me was that Mike thought the hot chocolate was fine, he got to push the button and run around in the dark with his buddies. He left happy. That’s all that really matters I know…but I also know that the details matter. At least they matter to me.

And so it has begun. The decorating that is. I have as of today 35 tubs/boxes of Christmas decorations. I think I have a problem. But I am working on it. I haven't bought anything new this year (yet). That is if you don't count the 6 ornaments I made in "library class" that my friend dragged me to. (ok she didn't drag...it was fun actually)

I like to take my time decorating. I usually do it over the course of a few days and no, thanks I don't want any help. Family of course helps with the tree(s). Family togetherness is required for that as is eggnog, The Muppets Christmas Album and some teenage wisecracking thrown in for good measure. Suddenly, I realized the other night as I hung an ornament on which the Diva commented "What the hell is that?" that I am now on the receiving end of the torment during tree trimming. I had a sudden flashback of circa 1979 trimming the tree with my parents and my brother. I remember two pre-teens wisecracking about the gold only ornaments on what probably was at the time a very hip-happenin' tree "theme”. And I remember being instructed for the umpteenth time on how to place the gold tinsel...."one strand at a time" on the tree. And I remember those wisecrackers throwing a handful on in front of the mother to freak her out. I also remember the dog who ate tinsel and ended up walking around with it hanging out of it’s butt. But I digress…

These realizations and flashbacks are why I do the bulk of the decorating alone. That and I know my family likes to come home and see things “done” for Christmas. Even if I could afford to have someone come and do my decorating for me I don’t think I would. I love to open each box and see what’s inside. I mean every box is labeled… I am the one with the OCD remember? But taking out each snowman or ornament is like opening a gift. When I take my angel tree topper out of her plastic box it’s like seeing an old friend.

This is our fourth Christmas in this house. I finally have some kind of routine as far as where things go. One thing that made me nuts when we moved here was that there wasn’t that familiar old thumbtack hole in the molding where I hung the same thing every year. This year there were a few of those, which in my weird world was comforting to me. I can now remember where I put things the past few years. I changed stuff that didn’t really work last year. (I won’t even tell you that I took pictures of all my decorating the last two years and printed them out so I could see what I did the year before…then you would really think I had OCD). Some people look at all this as a chore. I don’t. It’s not easy, don’t get me wrong. It’s work. But it’s good work and for me it’s a labor of love.

One of my favorite places to be is sitting with a cup of tea, in my chair, reading a book by the light of my Christmas tree….after all the “work” is done.

Jenn's two cents: I am the opposite end of the spectrum. I have 4 tubs of holiday decorations though I think that may change with the new house...hubby has already instructed me to hit all the after Christmas sales and stock up for next year! And as the friend who dragged Ms. OCD to the library craft - she thouroughly enjoyed getting her "martha" on!

I told you it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And it’s not just me…..

I said I started playing Christmas music early this year which is usually a no no in my house. I am not sure why I am just in the mood. And it’s kinda like that good china that sits in the china cabinet. It’s sitting here why don’t we just use it? Well it seems I am not alone. I don’t mean the stores which start decorating before Halloween. They aren’t doing it ‘cause they are in the Christmas spirit. They are doing cause they want you to start freaking out that Christmas is coming and start shopping like mad.

They started playing Christmas music on the radio already.
When I heard it I thought they were just playing one song to get people in the mood but then another one came on. And another! Yippee! So I am singing on the top of my lungs while I drive. Fa la la la la!

Then I hear the local outlet mall had it’s tree lighting on Saturday night. I guess they want it festive for Black Friday shopping.

The Salvation Army Santa’s helper is already outside the supermarket ringing his bell. Some Main Streets have their lit wreaths already up.

Maybe everyone’s feeling the need to have the holiday spirit around a little longer this year. If it will keep everyone in a good mood for a few extra weeks then I am all for it.

Saturday, hubby and I helped out our church to deliver, count and box gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Local churches, scouts and other groups assemble wrapped shoe boxes filled with candies, toys, toothbrushes, soap etc. to be delivered around the world to children who don’t get a living room filled with gifts to open on Christmas morning. I didn’t participate this year with my kids in filling the shoe boxes. Life got in the way. But after helping with the delivering this weekend I realized I really missed doing it. I am making a mental note for next year to get my friends and their kids together to make boxes and deliver them up to church. It’s so important to have our kids be part of things like this.

The woman in charge was telling us stories of children who have received these boxes. She told us how children in orphanages painted only in gray, would tape the wrapping paper from their boxes on the wall next to their bed for decoration. It really hits home and makes you realize how lucky you are and that you really need to pay it forward. Below is a short video about OCC, to really give you an idea of what it is. God bless us, everyone.

If you Google the word cookie you get this: "Results 1 - 10 of about 140,000,000 for cookies" That's a lot of information about cookies, probably more than anyone would ever need in a lifetime.

I have been taking stock of my baking supplies this week. Not forgetting Holiday #1, I have been assigned desserts for Thanksgiving. Piece of cake. (no pun intended) I will do my usual pumpkin and apple pies, probably Petit Fours or Key Lime pie since they were requested and I am going to take a stab at candy apples for fun.

But the inventory is really for the cookies. I avoided making cookies for a long time when my older kids were little. I was up to my eyeballs in being a Brownie leader and religion teacher and class mom. I was knee high in "kiddie Christmas" and made a conscious decision to leave the cookie making to Nana and Grandma. Who both by the way make a mean Christmas cookie...well many types of cookies actually. So of course I had a little cookie guilt not making some of my own. But now some of the kiddie craziness of pre-Christmas is winding down for me (though I am holding on to it with both hands as long as I can) I can find time to bake. I really enjoy it. I love to set aside a day to bake all day.

My friends and I do a Cookie Exchange now going on our 3rd year. Although some of my baking challenged buddies were nervous to take part in the beginning it has turned into a lot of fun. We all make dozens of a few kinds of cookies and swap, make beautiful wrapped trays to bring home to our families. We have even started donating a tray or two to someone in need. Last year it was the nursing home Barbie works at.

So I am making my supply list and checking it twice. Did you know that there are 20 cups of flour in a 5lb bag? Now you do. That's something I needed to know, since I figured I would need 23 cups of flour for what I am making. I also think I will need to take out a home equity loan to purchase almond paste. I have been stocking up as I've been in and out of the supermarket a 100 times a week, so I have a lot already. When I start baking I will post some cookie recipes. I am hoping to remember my camera for the Cookie Exchange as well.

So while I was doing inventory I realized I bought a butternut squash to make soup. So I made some for dinner. Haven't posted a recipe in awhile so I'll hook you up...

Well it is. In 39 days if you wanted to know. (F.Y.I. Thanksgiving is in 10)

Hubby and I spent the past rainy Saturday doing some Christmas shopping. I picked up the new Andrea Bocelli Christmas CD.

Now I love Thanksgiving. I love autumn, which I think we have pretty must established already. I always feel Thanksgiving gets a bad rap. Right after Halloween up go the store Christmas decorations. Before Veteran’s Day there’s Christmas music playing everywhere you go. Wreaths are hung all along Main St. in anticipation of Christmas Tree Lighting night which is weeks away.

Can Thanksgiving have it’s day? I am not having it this year so I am chilled out about it. Being a guest is far less stressful. But even if you are having it, there’s much less to do besides the marathon cooking. There’s not tons of decorating, gift buying, wrapping or parties to attend or host. It’s one day. Eat. Drink. Nap. (OK I never nap but some of us do!). I am a firm believer in no Christmas music until the day after. Until this year.

I don’t know what it is. I don’t if shopping on Saturday put me in the mood. I have been in a particularly content mood lately. But I opened my CD and put it on. My children were in shock. “What??? Christmas music?? YOU put on Christmas music before Thanksgiving??” (seems I have pounded that rule into their brains…lol)

Well, I am going with it this year. I am not going to decorate for Christmas or anything insane like that yet. I took out my Christmas planning folder, (I do enjoy my folders which can be a post in itself). It’s chock full of recipes and ideas to try, past Christmas gift lists, places to cut down Christmas trees, and “notes to self” for this year. It’s like opening a gift to me. I love to see what I left inside from last year. (some of my favorite ideas are from the FlyLady! Gotta check her out if you never have...)

So maybe that, Bocelli playing and the fire burning did it. I will still give Thanksgiving it's due. But it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas a little early this year...

Jenn's two cents: Sometimes I think Cara is looking inside my brain! I was planning my getting ready for Christmas post tomorrow... I started my Christmas shopping yesterday....and it does feel like Christmas a bit early this year - even if the temperature outside is in the 60's...I too bought a new Christmas CD - but I am not breaking it open until Thanksgiving Day. Can't wait for Black Friday!